Mother’s Day was a beautiful day of celebrating our mom! We had a different group “in-house,” missing Jesse on a trip, but we had the joy of Calia and Kyle with us since Joseph and Elissa were away.

We are so blessed to have a godly heritage. I believe as second generation Christians and homeschoolers, it’s easy to take for granted our blessings. I pray each one of you who has godly parents is grateful for that and expresses your love and honor to them.

Love,Sarah

Mom and Dad on Mother’s Day

Christopher’s family gave out roses at church

Melanie (and Baby Deborah was born less than 24 hours later!)

Sunday evening, we took a walk around the block, something we used to do on Sunday evenings before we switched around our schedule. We had kids on scooters, kids on foot, kids in stroller, and Baby in womb! Such sweet times!

So blessed!

Mom/Grandma and Benji

These two little guys are buddies with Ellie

Enjoying fellowship

Anna Marie, GiGi, Mom, and Melanie

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently,lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen,and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life:but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.”Deuteronomy 4:9

Thank you all for your excitement over Deborah. She’s such a cutie! We stand in awe of the Lord’s grace in Nathan and Melanie’s lives over the years. They now are holding six children. This is from a couple who struggled with infertility, lost their firstborn, and also two babies through miscarriage.

Melanie’s pregnancy with Deborah was her best yet! Her doctor is incredible, and they’ve used her since Andrew. Melanie is given progesterone to help keep her pre-term labor down. They gave the last shot right before 37 weeks. Even with progesterone, Melanie still has contractions but not labor. Everyone expected labor to kick in after the last shot wore off, but no! Baby Deborah must not have been ready.

Finally, Sunday night, Melanie knew the real thing had begun. She labored at home for awhile before they called Anna to come over to be with the kids. Then, a little before midnight, they left for the hospital, which is a good 45 minute drive. Three hours later, about 3:40 am, Deborah came very quickly. This also is Melanie’s best birth yet.

Deborah came so fast she had a lot of fluid in her lungs. They used oxygen on her for a short period. This sweet girl has a headful of dark hair and adorable, chubby cheeks. Although Nathan and Melanie did the first introduction via FaceTime, the real introduction came at the hospital.

All five siblings are over the moon, even big brother Benjamin, who relinquishes his baby spot.

Background behind the name (from Nathan):Deborah means a warrior, victor, fighter. It also means a bee—a creature that creates fruitfulness and beauty.

We have traditionally done character middle names for the girls. Carol is a song, a joy. Carol is also the middle name of a grandma and aunt, as well as a late great great grandma’s first name. Our desire is that she would create beauty and joy while being a fighter for Jesus Christ.

A strawberry concrete for Mommy! A well-deserved treat!

Benji and Drew, happy big brothers

The picture says it all!

Look at all Deborah’s dark hair.

Snuggles. Sister hearts are already knit!

Anna with Deborah

A happy grandma!

“I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”Psalm 9:2